Bent and Bush started in business in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1841 and moved to Boston by 1849, where they engaged in the hat business up to 1933. They are well known suppliers of military headgear and other military goods, even obtaining contracts from the Marine Corps. This is a low-crown forage cap, distinguished from a kepi by the standing rather than inset crown. The dark blue wool exterior rates excellent, with very good color, no mothing, and tight seams. The chinstrap, which may be a replacement, has a floating buckle and is secured at the sides with two small cavalry officer’s eagle-C buttons backmarked, “Horstmann Bros. & Co. Phila.” These match the small oval, cloth-backed cavalry officer’s insignia mounted on the front that features embroidered bullion crossed sabers, showing some muted gilt and some oxidation, surmounted by a metal false-embroidered silver number “8.” Chinstrap is separated at one end, needs a minor repair.

The cap is lined in the sides with brown polished cotton. The underside of the crown is black and embossed, “Bent & Bush / Boston” in what was likely originally gilt lettering, but which has oxidized to a slight green. The tan leather sweatband is in place. There is a trace of a paper size label at rear. The brown cloth hanging loop is in place. The visor is a simple tarred leather visor, slightly curved and downturned that shows some restitching, but is now firmly in place.

The cap is likely 1870s-1890s and displays very well.    [sr]

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